Extracting a brittle star

[Vauche]

It would seem that I have a "brittle star", didn't know it, didn't really want it, still don't know if I should keep it. It apparently hitched it's way in on some zoas. It seemes to think that where the zoas are attached to the plug is a good place to hide. Since I didn't buy it I haven't done a whole lot of research on them so I am looking for the pro's and cons. So far all I have seen is two arms, they are very small, can't really tell you what color.
My main goal, like many, is a mandarin so if this dude will be competition or dangerous I would prefer to get him out quickly while I know where he is. Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[otrlynn]

Are you speaking of the mini brittle stars--the head is about the size of a large pin head and the legs are thread-like? If so, I have read here on RC that they are harmless. I have a bunch of them in my tank, often around the zoas. They seem to cause no harm to the tank or its inhabitants.

 

[Maxi]

Leave it in your tank. You won't even notice it..! (unless you are looking for it)

 

[Vauche]

Well that makes me feel better.

As to your question otrlynn- that is part of my problem. To this point positive ID is beyond capability. I haven't seen the head just the the legs. And yes, at least I can say the thread-like would be a good description.

Again, thanks for the quick replies.

 

[Rob_Zamites]

They're great detritivores. Leave 'em alone